Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan 2025
University of Michigan
Top-ranked program with NSA CAE designation and 95% job placement rate in automotive cybersecurity
Michigan State University
NSA-designated program with strong industry partnerships and comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum
Oakland University
Growing cybersecurity program with focus on hands-on labs and Detroit-area internships
- 1.Michigan has 15+ cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 3 NSA CAE-designated institutions including University of Michigan
- 2.University of Michigan ranks #1 in Michigan with 93% graduation rate and top automotive cybersecurity placements
- 3.Michigan cybersecurity professionals earn median $99,750 annually—7% above national median (BLS Michigan 2024)
- 4.Detroit automotive industry and Grand Rapids healthcare sector drive high demand for cybersecurity specialists
- 5.In-state tuition at Michigan public universities averages $15,200—significantly below national average
Cybersecurity Education in Michigan
Michigan offers excellent cybersecurity education opportunities across its public university system, with several programs earning NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations. The state's strong automotive and healthcare industries create substantial demand for cybersecurity professionals, particularly in industrial control systems and healthcare data protection.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide. Career-focused students should examine our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Michigan-specific compensation data.
Michigan's cybersecurity programs benefit from proximity to major automotive manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis, who increasingly need cybersecurity expertise for connected vehicle systems. The state also hosts significant healthcare systems and financial services that drive cybersecurity employment.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Michigan May 2024, NSA CAE List 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and individual attention
Michigan-specific salaries and job placement
CAE-CDE or CAE-CO recognition
Michigan Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor | Public | $16,178 | 93% | 15:1 | Yes | 94.2 |
| 2 | Michigan State University | East Lansing | Public | $15,966 | 82% | 17:1 | Yes | 91.8 |
| 3 | Oakland University | Rochester | Public | $14,520 | 66% | 21:1 | No | 88.5 |
| 4 | Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo | Public | $13,735 | 61% | 18:1 | Yes | 87.2 |
| 5 | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant | Public | $13,590 | 58% | 22:1 | No | 85.9 |
| 6 | Wayne State University | Detroit | Public | $13,848 | 53% | 16:1 | No | 84.6 |
| 7 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti | Public | $13,578 | 49% | 19:1 | No | 82.8 |
| 8 | Grand Valley State University | Allendale | Public | $13,162 | 67% | 17:1 | No | 82.1 |
| 9 | Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Public | $11,716 | 55% | 20:1 | No | 79.5 |
| 10 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids | Public | $12,760 | 51% | 14:1 | No | 78.2 |
| 11 | Saginaw Valley State University | University Center | Public | $10,804 | 48% | 18:1 | No | 76.9 |
| 12 | Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste. Marie | Public | $12,330 | 42% | 14:1 | No | 75.1 |
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI • University
Program Highlights
- • Only Michigan program ranked in top 25 nationally
- • Direct recruiting pipeline to Big Three automakers
- • Graduate school pathway with top-10 Michigan cybersecurity research
- • Ann Arbor tech ecosystem provides internship opportunities
Program Strengths
- NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation
- 95% job placement rate with starting salaries averaging $78,000
- Strong partnerships with Ford, GM, and automotive suppliers
- State-of-the-art Security Operations Center for hands-on training
- Research opportunities in automotive and IoT security
Why Ranked #1
Leading Michigan cybersecurity program with NSA CAE designation, 93% graduation rate, and exceptional industry connections in automotive cybersecurity.
Student Reviews
"The automotive cybersecurity focus is exactly what industry needs right now. Landed a Ford internship junior year that turned into a full-time offer."
— 2024 Graduate
"Professors are active in research and bring real-world experience. The SOC lab simulations prepared me perfectly for my security analyst role."
— Current Student
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate above state average
- • Comprehensive internship program with 90% participation
- • Research collaborations with Michigan healthcare systems
- • Student-run Security Operations Center
Program Strengths
- NSA CAE-CDE designation with rigorous security curriculum
- Hands-on cybersecurity labs with industry-standard tools
- Strong alumni network in Michigan cybersecurity roles
- Partnerships with healthcare systems for HIPAA security training
- Active cybersecurity competition teams and clubs
Why Ranked #2
NSA-designated program with comprehensive curriculum and strong industry partnerships throughout Michigan.
Student Reviews
"The program balances technical skills with business understanding perfectly. My internship at Spectrum Health led to a cybersecurity analyst position."
— 2024 Graduate
Oakland University
Rochester, MI • University
Program Highlights
- • Strategic location for automotive cybersecurity careers
- • New cybersecurity lab facilities opened in 2023
- • Direct partnerships with Detroit-area employers
- • Affordable tuition with excellent value proposition
Program Strengths
- Close proximity to Detroit automotive headquarters
- Hands-on curriculum with extensive lab work
- Strong internship placement in automotive cybersecurity
- Faculty with industry experience at major corporations
- Growing research program in industrial control systems security
Why Ranked #3
Growing cybersecurity program with strong Detroit-area industry connections and practical focus.
Michigan University Systems and Cybersecurity Education
Michigan's public university system provides excellent cybersecurity education access across the state. The flagship University of Michigan in Ann Arbor leads with research excellence and industry connections, while Michigan State University offers comprehensive cybersecurity training with NSA designation.
Regional universities like Oakland University, Western Michigan University, and Wayne State University provide quality cybersecurity education with strong local industry ties. These programs often focus on practical skills and have excellent placement rates in Michigan's automotive and healthcare sectors.
Michigan's cybersecurity programs benefit from the state's unique industry mix. The automotive sector's shift toward connected vehicles creates demand for specialists in vehicle cybersecurity and industrial control systems. Healthcare systems like Henry Ford Health and Spectrum Health provide opportunities in healthcare cybersecurity.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor security systems and investigate incidents for automotive manufacturers, healthcare systems, and financial services
Information Security Manager
Lead cybersecurity teams and develop security strategies for large Michigan employers
Automotive Cybersecurity Specialist
Secure connected vehicle systems and autonomous driving technologies for Ford, GM, and Stellantis
Healthcare Security Specialist
Protect patient data and medical systems for Michigan's major healthcare networks
Penetration Tester
Conduct security assessments for manufacturing and technology companies
Security Consultant
Provide cybersecurity expertise to businesses across Michigan's diverse economy
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $14,200 | $32,800 | $42,500 |
| Typical Class Size | 25-40 students | 25-40 students | 15-25 students |
| Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 | 12:1 |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Limited |
| Industry Connections | Strong Regional | Strong Regional | Variable |
| Financial Aid | Good | Limited | Good |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality public university education
- Career opportunities in automotive cybersecurity
- Access to NSA-designated programs at reasonable cost
- Strong job market without relocating to expensive coastal cities
- Hands-on programs with industry partnerships
- Research opportunities at major universities
- Silicon Valley tech companies and startups
- Financial services cybersecurity in NYC
- Federal cybersecurity roles in DC area
- Warmer climate year-round
- Larger technology ecosystems
- More venture capital and startup opportunities
Source: BLS Employment Projections Michigan 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Cybersecurity Programs
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition costs from IPEDS 2023 final release
Michigan-specific salary data for cybersecurity occupations, May 2024
List of CAE-designated cybersecurity programs updated 2024
State employment projections and cybersecurity job market data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.